Discussion will focus on the inherent power of science fiction and it’s ability to simultaneously teach young students, artists, makers, geeks, nerds, entertain its fans, and thrill proponents of space exploration, and those looking to inspire the next generation.

Find out how close are we to “beam me up Scotty” and if we are moving to Mars?

Ever wonder if there is there life on Europa or if UFO’s are real?

Is it true that artificial intelligence is only a year away? What about Zombie’s?

Guest Speakers include one of America’s most accomplished science fiction writers, Richard Peck, who’s early 1970’s writing could be seen everywhere. His short stories, which theoretically invented the concept of GPS, appeared in magazines, his screenplays were sold to moviemakers in Hollywood, and his first published novel, Final Solution (Doubleday, 1972), was nominated for The John W. Campbell award as Best SF Novel of the Year.

Joining him is his son, one of America’s most brilliant technological minds, Richard Mason, Associate Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Cornell University. As a young boy, Mason was exposed to rich imagination and flourished in the science fiction environment he was immersed in and ultimately embraced space science and technology. He went on to serve as NASA\'s Chief Technologist in Washington, DC from 2011-2014. In that role, he acted as the agency\'s chief strategist for technology investment and prioritization and advocate for innovation in space science, space exploration, and aeronautics. He has since decided to create formal opportunities for scientists to learn from artists.

The evening will also include a lively discussion about such topics as the works of the Hugo Award winning Science Fiction Writer, Isaac Asimov, science fiction realities and fantasies and the logistics of settling Mars. Most importantly, one can learn how pop culture and the arts can, and should be used to spark learning in young students and ultimately aid in the development of new technologies.

For more information, please call Tony Felice at 480-567-6890 or Lisa Wojciechowski at 310-918-2613 or email Tony at tony@tonyfelicepr.com.